Indian tennis prodigy Rathin Pranav has done the unexpected. The 17-year-old tennis star from Tamil Nadu reached into the quarterfinals of ITF M25 Bhubaneswar by defeating World No. 435 Egor Agafonov. Despite being unranked, Rethin bounced back after losing the first set 2-6. He won the second set 6-4 and dominated the third, leading 4-0 when Agafonov retired due to injury. This performance has moved Rethin into the quarterfinals in only his third professional tournament.
Rethin Pranav shows promising future
Rethin Pranav’s remarkable performances bring hope for a promising future in Indian tennis. Rethin’s journey began in Tamil Nadu, where early talent led him to the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy. Under the mentorship of India’s top coaches and the “Next Level” program by the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA), Rethin developed his skills and mental toughness.
It’s not just his stunning win against the World No. 435; Rethin has consistently impressed on the junior circuit as well. Steady progress saw him climb into the top 100 world junior rankings, securing spots in both junior Grand Slam events and professional tournaments. With multiple national championships and international junior titles to his name, he currently holds the title of Men’s National Champion. Rethin has the potential to become the next big name in Indian tennis.
Next test against Aryan Shah
Rethin now faces 18-year-old Aryan Shah, another young Indian player currently ranked 657 in the ATP rankings. Aryan, who was part of the Indian team in the Davis Cup squad, is the sixth highest-ranked player in the All India Tennis Association (AITA).
This match will be a crucial test for both young talents, each aiming to establish a strong foothold in Indian tennis. It will be interesting to see, how Rathin Pranav challenges his compatriot in the quarterfinals.
Manas Dhamne loses in R16 with a fight
Rethin’s performance wasn’t the only highlight for Indian tennis in Bhubaneswar, another Indian prodigy, 16-year-old Manas Dhamne faced a tough opponent in World No. 258 Dalibor Svrcina. Despite losing 5-7, 3-6, Manas showcased strength, leading 5-2 in the first set before Svrcina mounted a comeback. Ranked 1081 in the ATP, Manas is seen as a future star for India and has already impressed in various junior competitions.
The success of players like Rethin Pranav and Manas Dhamne shows how Indian Tennis is gearing up to see the next generation of players. Both players have shown their potential against top-ranked opponents, with skill and maturity beyond their age.
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